Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An article, comprising: a substrate having inner and outer major surfaces spaced apart from one another, a plurality of edge surfaces spanning between respective peripheral edges of the inner and outer major surfaces, and a plurality of corner surfaces spanning between the respective peripheral edges of the inner and outer major surfaces and between adjacent ones of the edge surfaces; and a first elongate discontinuity having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at, or adjacent to, a first of the plurality of edge surfaces, and the distal end being located at, or adjacent to, a second of the plurality of edge surfaces, adjacent to the first of the plurality of edge surfaces, such that the first elongate discontinuity is disposed in proximity to a first of the corner surfaces of the substrate, wherein the first elongate discontinuity is filled with a plastically deformable material, and the first elongate discontinuity operates to: (i) interrupt crack propagation resulting from a dynamic sharp impact to the outer major surface of the substrate originating between the peripheral edge and the first elongate discontinuity, (ii) direct the crack propagation toward at least one of the first and second edge surfaces, and (iii) mitigate crack propagation across the first elongate discontinuity toward a central region of the outer major surface of the substrate, wherein the first elongate discontinuity extends completely through a thickness of the substrate between the inner and outer major surfaces thereof, thereby separating the substrate.
This invention relates to a substrate with structural features designed to prevent or redirect crack propagation caused by dynamic impacts. The substrate has inner and outer major surfaces, edge surfaces connecting their peripheral edges, and corner surfaces between adjacent edges. A first elongate discontinuity extends completely through the substrate's thickness, connecting two adjacent edge surfaces near a corner. This discontinuity is filled with a plastically deformable material and serves to interrupt crack propagation originating near the edge, redirecting it toward the edge surfaces rather than allowing it to spread toward the substrate's central region. The discontinuity acts as a barrier, absorbing and deflecting impact-induced cracks, thereby enhancing the substrate's resistance to fracture. The deformable material within the discontinuity further dissipates energy from the impact, reducing the likelihood of catastrophic failure. This design is particularly useful in applications where substrates are subjected to sudden, sharp impacts, such as in protective panels, structural components, or safety materials. The discontinuity's placement near the corner and its full-thickness extension ensure effective crack mitigation while maintaining structural integrity.
2. The article of claim 1 , wherein the substrate is an ion exchanged glass.
This invention relates to a substrate for use in electronic or optical devices, particularly where the substrate must exhibit specific mechanical, thermal, or optical properties. The problem addressed is the need for substrates that provide enhanced durability, thermal stability, or optical performance while maintaining compatibility with manufacturing processes. The invention describes a substrate made of ion-exchanged glass, which undergoes an ion exchange process to improve its properties. Ion exchange involves replacing smaller ions in the glass with larger ions, typically through a chemical bath, to increase surface compression and strength. This process enhances the substrate's resistance to mechanical stress, thermal shock, and environmental degradation. The ion-exchanged glass substrate is particularly useful in applications requiring high strength, such as touchscreens, displays, or optical components, where traditional glass may be prone to cracking or breaking. The ion exchange treatment also allows for precise control over the substrate's optical properties, making it suitable for advanced optical devices. The invention may further include additional layers or coatings to enhance functionality, such as anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, or conductive layers. The ion-exchanged glass substrate provides a durable, high-performance material for demanding applications in electronics and optics.
3. The article of claim 1 , further comprising a second elongate discontinuity having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at, or adjacent to, a third of the plurality of edge surfaces, and the distal end being located at, or adjacent to, a fourth of the plurality of edge surfaces, adjacent to the third of the plurality of edge surfaces, such that the second elongate discontinuity is disposed in proximity to a second of the corner surfaces of the substrate.
This invention relates to a substrate with multiple edge surfaces and corner surfaces, featuring at least one elongate discontinuity extending between adjacent edge surfaces. The discontinuity is positioned near a corner surface, improving structural or functional properties such as stress distribution, material flow, or manufacturing efficiency. The substrate may be a semiconductor wafer, a ceramic tile, or another rigid material. The discontinuity can be a groove, notch, or other structural feature. The invention further includes a second elongate discontinuity, also positioned near a corner surface, but oriented differently from the first. This second discontinuity connects a third edge surface to an adjacent fourth edge surface, ensuring it is near a second corner surface. The two discontinuities may enhance symmetry, reduce defects, or facilitate processing steps like cutting, bonding, or handling. The substrate's design optimizes performance in applications requiring precise material properties or manufacturing precision.
4. The article of claim 3 , further comprising a third elongate discontinuity having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at, or adjacent to, the second of the plurality of edge surfaces, and the distal end being located at, or adjacent to, the third of the plurality of edge surfaces, adjacent to the second of the plurality of edge surfaces, such that the third elongate discontinuity is disposed in proximity to a third of the corner surfaces of the substrate.
This invention relates to a substrate with multiple elongate discontinuities, such as grooves or cuts, positioned near its edge and corner surfaces. The substrate has a plurality of edge surfaces and corner surfaces formed by the intersection of adjacent edge surfaces. The invention includes at least two elongate discontinuities, each with a proximal end near one edge surface and a distal end near an adjacent edge surface, such that the discontinuities are positioned close to the corner surfaces formed by those edges. A third elongate discontinuity is also included, with its proximal end near a second edge surface and its distal end near a third edge surface adjacent to the second, placing this discontinuity near a third corner surface of the substrate. The discontinuities may serve to control stress distribution, facilitate material removal, or enable precise structural modifications in the substrate. The arrangement ensures that the discontinuities are strategically placed to interact with the substrate's corners, potentially improving mechanical properties or enabling specific manufacturing processes. The substrate may be a semiconductor wafer, a ceramic material, or another rigid structure where controlled discontinuities are beneficial.
5. The article of claim 4 , further comprising a fourth elongate discontinuity having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at, or adjacent to, the fourth of the plurality of edge surfaces, and the distal end being located at, or adjacent to, the first of the plurality of edge surfaces, adjacent to the fourth of the plurality of edge surfaces, such that the fourth elongate discontinuity is disposed in proximity to a fourth of the corner surfaces of the substrate.
This invention relates to a substrate with multiple elongate discontinuities positioned near its edge and corner surfaces. The substrate has a plurality of edge surfaces and corner surfaces formed by the intersection of adjacent edge surfaces. The invention includes at least three elongate discontinuities, each with a proximal end near one of the edge surfaces and a distal end near another edge surface, positioned such that each discontinuity is adjacent to a different corner surface. The fourth elongate discontinuity, as described, has a proximal end at or near a fourth edge surface and a distal end at or near the first edge surface, adjacent to the fourth edge surface. This placement ensures the fourth discontinuity is near a fourth corner surface of the substrate. The discontinuities may be grooves, slots, or other structural features designed to modify the substrate's mechanical or thermal properties, such as stress distribution or heat dissipation. The invention is useful in applications where controlled deformation, fracture resistance, or thermal management is required, such as in semiconductor wafers, electronic components, or structural materials. The discontinuities are strategically positioned to enhance performance without compromising the substrate's structural integrity.
6. The article of claim 1 , wherein at the substrate is formed from one or more of crystalline material, single crystal material, and glass ceramic material.
This invention relates to an article comprising a substrate with a specific material composition. The substrate is formed from one or more of crystalline material, single crystal material, or glass ceramic material. These materials are selected for their desirable properties, such as high thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, which make them suitable for applications requiring durability and reliability. The substrate serves as a base for additional components or layers, depending on the intended use. For example, in electronic or optical applications, the substrate may support integrated circuits, sensors, or optical elements. The use of crystalline, single crystal, or glass ceramic materials ensures that the substrate maintains structural integrity under varying environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations or mechanical stress. This invention addresses the need for robust substrates in high-performance applications where material properties significantly impact functionality and longevity. The selection of these materials enhances the overall performance and reliability of the article in demanding environments.
7. The article of claim 1 , wherein the plastically deformable material is transparent.
The invention relates to a transparent article incorporating a plastically deformable material designed to undergo controlled deformation under applied stress. The article is structured to include a transparent plastically deformable material that can be permanently reshaped when subjected to mechanical forces, such as bending or stretching, without fracturing. This deformability allows the article to adapt its shape to fit specific applications or to accommodate external forces while maintaining transparency. The material's transparency ensures that light can pass through without significant distortion, making it suitable for optical or display applications. The article may also include additional layers or components that enhance its structural integrity or functionality, such as reinforcing elements or coatings that preserve transparency while enabling deformation. The deformable material can be selected from polymers, glasses, or composites that exhibit both transparency and plastic deformation properties. This invention addresses the need for transparent materials that can be reshaped on demand while retaining optical clarity, useful in fields like flexible electronics, protective covers, or adaptive optical devices.
8. The article of claim 1 , wherein the plastically deformable material exhibits a Young's modulus of less than about 50 GPa.
This invention relates to articles incorporating a plastically deformable material with a Young's modulus of less than about 50 GPa. The technology addresses the need for materials that can undergo significant plastic deformation without fracturing, which is critical in applications requiring flexibility, impact resistance, or shape adaptability. The plastically deformable material is designed to deform permanently under applied stress, making it suitable for use in components that must withstand repeated mechanical loading or environmental stresses without failure. The material's low Young's modulus, below 50 GPa, ensures it remains ductile and capable of large deformations before breaking. This property is particularly useful in applications such as flexible electronics, protective coatings, or structural elements in dynamic environments. The material may be integrated into larger systems where traditional rigid materials would fail due to brittleness or insufficient deformation capacity. The invention may also include additional features, such as reinforcement layers or coatings, to enhance performance while maintaining the core deformability characteristic. The overall design ensures the material retains its structural integrity under stress while providing the necessary flexibility for its intended application.
9. The article of claim 1 , wherein the plastically deformable material exhibits a Young's modulus of less than about 1 GPa.
This invention relates to articles incorporating a plastically deformable material with a Young's modulus of less than about 1 GPa. The technology addresses the need for materials that can undergo significant plastic deformation without fracturing, making them suitable for applications requiring flexibility, impact resistance, or shape adaptability. The plastically deformable material is designed to deform permanently under applied stress, distinguishing it from elastic materials that return to their original shape. This property is particularly useful in fields such as medical devices, protective gear, or structural components where controlled deformation is desired. The material's low Young's modulus (less than 1 GPa) ensures it remains pliable and can absorb energy through deformation rather than brittle failure. The article may include additional components or layers, such as reinforcing elements or coatings, to enhance performance while maintaining the deformable material's core functionality. The invention focuses on optimizing the material's mechanical properties to balance deformability, strength, and durability for specific applications.
10. The article of claim 1 , wherein the plastically deformable material exhibits a Young's modulus ranging from about 1 MPa to about 10 GPa.
This invention relates to articles incorporating a plastically deformable material with a specific range of mechanical properties. The material exhibits a Young's modulus between approximately 1 MPa and 10 GPa, enabling controlled deformation under applied stress while maintaining structural integrity. The article is designed to undergo permanent shape changes when subjected to external forces, making it suitable for applications requiring adjustable or customizable structures. The material's modulus range ensures it is soft enough to deform easily but rigid enough to retain its new shape after deformation. This property is particularly useful in fields such as medical devices, where flexibility and durability are critical, or in consumer products where adaptability is desired. The invention addresses the need for materials that can be reshaped without fracturing, providing a balance between deformability and structural stability. The plastically deformable material may be integrated into various components, such as implants, wearable devices, or structural elements, where its ability to conform to different shapes under stress is advantageous. The specified modulus range ensures the material remains functional across a wide range of applications, from soft tissue simulations to rigid structural supports.
11. The article of claim 1 , wherein the plastically deformable material includes one or more of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), cycloolefin copolymer (COC), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene naphthaiate (PEN), Polystyrene, Acrylic, Silicon, Polyurethane elastomer, Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), and Styrene Block Copolymer.
This invention relates to a plastically deformable material used in optical or display applications, addressing the need for materials that can be precisely shaped or molded while maintaining optical clarity and durability. The material is designed to undergo controlled plastic deformation, allowing it to be formed into specific shapes without compromising its optical properties. The material includes one or more polymers such as Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), cycloolefin copolymer (COC), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene naphthaiate (PEN), Polystyrene, Acrylic, Silicon, Polyurethane elastomer, Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB), Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), and Styrene Block Copolymer. These materials are selected for their ability to deform plastically under applied stress while retaining transparency, mechanical strength, and resistance to environmental factors. The invention ensures that the material can be processed into complex geometries, such as lenses, displays, or protective layers, without optical distortion or degradation. This enables applications in high-precision optical devices, flexible displays, and protective coatings where both formability and optical performance are critical.
12. An article, comprising: a substrate having inner and outer, major surfaces spaced apart from one another, a plurality of edge surfaces spanning between respective peripheral edges of the inner and outer major surfaces, and a plurality of corner surfaces spanning between the respective peripheral edges of the inner and outer major surfaces and between adjacent ones of the edge surfaces; and a first elongate discontinuity having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at, or adjacent to, a first of the plurality of edge surfaces, and the distal end being located at, or adjacent to, a second of the plurality of edge surfaces, adjacent to the first of the plurality of edge surfaces, such that the first elongate discontinuity is disposed in proximity to a first of the corner surfaces of the substrate, wherein the first elongate discontinuity extends completely through a thickness of the substrate between the inner and outer major surfaces thereof, thereby separating the substrate, and the first elongate discontinuity operates to: (i) interrupt crack propagation resulting from a dynamic sharp impact to the outer major surface of the substrate originating between the peripheral edge and the first elongate discontinuity, (ii) direct the crack propagation toward at least one of the first and second edge surfaces, and (iii) mitigate crack propagation across the first elongate discontinuity toward a central region of the outer major surface of the substrate.
This invention relates to a substrate designed to resist and redirect crack propagation caused by dynamic sharp impacts. The substrate has inner and outer major surfaces separated by a thickness, with edge surfaces and corner surfaces connecting the peripheral edges of these major surfaces. A first elongate discontinuity is embedded within the substrate, extending completely through its thickness. This discontinuity spans from a proximal end near one edge surface to a distal end near an adjacent edge surface, positioning it close to a corner surface. The discontinuity serves multiple functions: it interrupts crack propagation initiated by impacts on the outer major surface between the edge and the discontinuity, redirects the crack toward the nearest edge surfaces, and prevents the crack from spreading toward the central region of the substrate. This design enhances structural integrity by containing and redirecting damage, particularly in applications where impact resistance is critical. The discontinuity can be a groove, slot, or other structural feature that weakens the material locally to control fracture paths.
13. The article of claim 12 , further comprising a second elongate discontinuity having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at, or adjacent to, a third of the plurality of edge surfaces, and the distal end being located at, or adjacent to, a fourth of the plurality of edge surfaces, adjacent to the third of the plurality of edge surfaces, such that the second elongate discontinuity is disposed in proximity to a second of the corner surfaces of the substrate.
This invention relates to a substrate with structural discontinuities designed to improve mechanical properties or functionality. The substrate has multiple edge surfaces and corner surfaces, with at least one elongate discontinuity extending between two adjacent edge surfaces, positioned near a corner surface. The discontinuity may be a groove, slot, or similar feature. The invention further includes a second elongate discontinuity, also extending between two adjacent edge surfaces, positioned near a second corner surface of the substrate. The second discontinuity is similarly structured, ensuring it is in proximity to the second corner. These discontinuities may enhance stress distribution, facilitate material flow during manufacturing, or serve as alignment features. The substrate could be a semiconductor wafer, a ceramic component, or another material requiring controlled structural modifications. The discontinuities are strategically placed to avoid weakening the substrate while providing functional benefits. The invention addresses challenges in balancing structural integrity with performance requirements in substrates used in precision applications.
14. The article of claim 13 , further comprising a third elongate discontinuity having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at, or adjacent to, the second of the plurality of edge surfaces, and the distal end being located at, or adjacent to, the third of the plurality of edge surfaces, adjacent to the second of the plurality of edge surfaces, such that the third elongate discontinuity is disposed in proximity to a third of the corner surfaces of the substrate.
This invention relates to a substrate with multiple elongate discontinuities positioned near its edge and corner surfaces. The substrate has a plurality of edge surfaces and corner surfaces, with at least two elongate discontinuities. The first discontinuity has a proximal end near a first edge surface and a distal end near a second edge surface adjacent to the first. The second discontinuity has a proximal end near the second edge surface and a distal end near a third edge surface adjacent to the second. The third discontinuity, added in this claim, has a proximal end near the second edge surface and a distal end near the third edge surface, positioned close to a third corner surface of the substrate. The discontinuities may be grooves, slots, or other structural features designed to modify the substrate's mechanical or thermal properties, such as stress distribution or heat dissipation. The arrangement ensures that the discontinuities are strategically placed near multiple edges and corners, potentially improving structural integrity or functionality in applications where edge and corner regions are critical. The substrate may be used in electronic, structural, or other technical fields where controlled discontinuities enhance performance.
15. The article of claim 14 , further comprising a fourth elongate discontinuity having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at, or adjacent to, the fourth of the plurality of edge surfaces, and the distal end being located at, or adjacent to, the first of the plurality of edge surfaces, adjacent to the fourth of the plurality of edge surfaces, such that the fourth elongate discontinuity is disposed in proximity to a fourth of the corner surfaces of the substrate.
This invention relates to a substrate with multiple elongate discontinuities, addressing the need for improved structural integrity or functional features in materials used in electronics, packaging, or other applications. The substrate has a plurality of edge surfaces and corner surfaces, with at least three elongate discontinuities positioned near these surfaces. Each discontinuity has a proximal end near one edge surface and a distal end near another, creating a network of structural or functional pathways. The fourth elongate discontinuity, described here, has its proximal end at or near a fourth edge surface and its distal end at or near the first edge surface, adjacent to the fourth edge surface. This placement positions the fourth discontinuity close to a fourth corner surface of the substrate. The discontinuities may serve as stress-relief features, conductive pathways, or alignment guides, enhancing the substrate's performance in applications requiring precise structural or electrical properties. The invention improves upon prior designs by optimizing the arrangement of discontinuities to balance mechanical stability and functional efficiency.
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March 17, 2020
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